
Gass £^312 

. IT 
Book S: g3 



AN ORATION 

DELIVKKED ON THE 

Ctntcnnial SinniDersarji 

32 

OF THE INITIATION OF 6 C'3 

GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

■y 



AMONG THE 



ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY OF_FREE MASONS, 



BEFORE THE 



-GRAND LODGE OF RHODE ISLAND, 



^ In Newport, November 4, 1852. 

By Rev. K. J. STEWART, K. T. 




NEWPORT, R.I. 

JAMES ATKINSON, PRINTER. 



1852. 






.6^^ 



Rev. K. J. STEWART, /_ 
Newport, R. I. ) 
Hcv, ami Dear &lr and Br., 

Tlie umlersii,nioJ, present the compliments of St. John's 
Lodge No. 1, -with the request that jou will be bo kind as to furnish us with a copy of 
your address, delivered on the 4th inst., for publication. In complying with this re- 
quest, you will extend the influence of sentiments, which will disarm the prejudices of 
the ignorant, and induce a more strict conformity, among our fraternity, to their princi- 
ples ; and thereby promote the growtli of exalted patriotism and moral virtue. 
Very respectfully and fraternally yours, etc., 

N. H. GOULD, 1 p„„„,,.„„ 
H. D. DEBLOIS, ^Comrmttee. 

Newport, R. L, Nov. 7th, 1852. 



Messrs. N . H. Gould, /„ „•.. , 
TT T-v T-i I Committee, ifcc. 

n. D. Deblois, ) ' 

Gcntlcincn : 

I herewith send you a copy of my address, which you have requested for 

publication, with the hope that your wishes relative to its influence may be realized. 

Very respectfully and fraternally yours, <fec., 

K. J. STEWART. 

Newport, II. L, Nov. 23, 1852. 



ADDRESS. 

The Use and Abuse of Good Things. 

There is nothing, which is better established in the anal- 
ogy of nature, than that that, which is a savor of life unto 
life to one, is a savor of death unto death unto another. — 
The Bee changes and assimilates the secretions of the poi- 
sonous plant, into that, Avhich is sweetness and health ; 
while, on the contrary, there are insects Avhose ^^'ery touch 
leaves the most delightful fruits offensive and polluted. The 
reptUe feeds but to secrete the poisoned venom under its 
fang ; while the lamb changes its food into the finest fleece. 
This principle is also true in the moral world. It obtains 
among men. While St. John the evangelist, Avho has been 
selected as our exemplar, in all that is noble in the heart's 
best affections, and purest joys, leaned upon the Saviour's 
bosom, and ch"ank in, from his teachings, lessons of Avisdom 
and purity, and learned to love ; the evil-eyed Judas culti- 
A'ated the foulest passions, and practiced the basest treach- 
ery, though he was a partaker of the same priAileges. To 
the one, membership in the church, and fellowship Avith the 
Apostles, Avas a savor of life unto life ; to the other, these 
were a savor of death unto death. The same great events, 
which croAvned Franklin and Adams with glory and honor, 
occasioned the political and moral degradation of the traitor 
Gen. Arnold, and the intriguer, Aaron Burr. There is noth- 
ing, to which this jirinciple applies Avith more force, than to 
the institution, Avhicli meets here to day, to celebrate the 
centennial anniA'ersary of the initiation among its members, 
of George Washington. Of all other organizations, saAO 
only the church of the Most High God, it has been most 
perA'erted and abused by Avickcd and designing men, to their 
own ruin, as Avell as to the detriment of their Brethren and 
fclloAvs. While such men as Washington and Marshall, and 
Clinton and Livmgston, and White, and Bedell, and Gris- 
Avold, and ISIilnor, have found tiiis institution useful in pro- 
moting social happiness, in cherishing benevolence, in en- 
larging the mind Avith its lessons of .Avisdom, and ennobling 
the heart Avith its high toned morality and philanthropy ; 
others liaA'e abused its privileges, and perverted its influences. 
1 



The Chief Value of History. 

If tViere is wisdom in holdini»- up before the people the 
virtues of fjreat and noble men, -wlio have laid their country, 
and their fellow men under obligations, by the deeds that 
they have done, and the examples they have left for emula- 
tion ; much more wisdom is there in adding to the history 
which chronicles their greatness and patriotism, and pouit- 
ing out the steps, by Avhich they mounted to such eminence. 
It is not our intention to detain you, Avhile we seek to illus- 
trate the character and virtues, or tell you of the deeds of 
our immortal Washington. Wo might as well seek to il- 
lustrate the glory of the noon-day sun. Every school boy, 
among the iirst lessons of his progress in reading learns the 
history of the acheivements of that illustrious man, and the 
high and glorious station, which he attained and filled. But, 
perhaps, it has often perplexed the thoughts of the youthful 
aspirant, who has read of this wonderful man, to conjecture 
by what means, a young man, without a college education, 
and whose early life was s^aent among persons of limited ac- 
(juirements, and in times when knowledge was difficult of 
access ; how such a man, under such circumstances, could 
not only rise to such eminence, but also be fitted to fulfil the 
various duties which devolved upon him, when he had at- 
tained it. And it may be, that the thought has often lin- 
gered in the minds of American youth on such public occa- 
sions as these, Avhen ennobled patriotism has been held up 
for their emulation, "Might not I, also, become a Washing- 
ton, if I only knew how he started in life ; — if I could only 
find out the path by which he set out 1" History is in the 
moral world, the counterpart of such a place and collection 
as the i)atent office in Washington City is in the mechani; 
cal world. For, as in the Patent Office we are presented 
^\'ith a A ast collection of wonderful and ingenious results of 
the varied combinations of the mechanical powers ; but no 
clue is given to the attainment of that artistic skill, which 
brought them into being, and thousands gaze at them, ad- 
mire tlie genius of man, and go away without a thought of 
imitating or eclipsing them ; so also in history the student is 
presented wi(>h the results of the long and laborious efforts 
of great men, but the first steps of their progi'ess, steps, 
whiili were made when they were young men, and obscure 



men, the steps wliich ascend from tlie platform of political 
and social obscurity, to that higher platform, where history 
first introduces them to the world ; these are unnoticed ; and 
yet, to the student, who would ascend that eminence, they 
are necessary. Let it be our object to trace some of the 
early influences, which combined in moulding the great 
model which is before us. Let us go back to the starting 
point of his career, and look at him when he was a boy, and 
Avatch him as he began his ascent. And if, in this investi- 
gation, Ave shall bring to light the fact, that he was subject 
to the same feelings, and a sharer of the same obscurity, and 
gifted Avith the same natural endoAvments, Avhich other young 
men around us possess ; and that they are, themselves, pro- 
vided Avith the same means and instrumentalities, Avhich he 
used, then Ave may, perhajjs, provoke their ambition, and 
stimulate their efforts for the attainment of true greatness. 
WashingtoTi's Early Years. 

We have said that Washington had not the advantage of 
a collegiate education, and that his early life Avas spent 
among a people, avIio Avere far behind our oAvn age in knoAA'- 
ledge, and science and art. Perhaps the steps by Avhicli he 
advanced from the obscurity of his youth, may appear rude 
— but let it be borne in mmd that they Avcre firm and solid, 
even as if hcAvn from the liAing rock, and that they Avere 
ample and efficient for his purpose. There Avere, at the out- 
set of his career in life tAvo important and almost indispen- 
sable preliminaries to future success in the varied eftbrts of 
ambition. The first Avas the possession of a good natural 
understanding. The second Avas the kind offices of a pious 
mother's care. Without these, fcAV, if any, ever attain to 
much distinction as the benefactors of mankind. In early 
youth, Washington acquired a sufficient knoAvlcdge of arith- 
metic and trigonometry, to enable him to act as a surveyor. 
In this capacity he Avas employed h\ running lines and mak- 
ing plots of land for Lord Fairfax, Avho Avas one of the larg- 
est proprietors of landed estate in Vii-ginia. The Fairfax 
famUy had a summer residence at Mt. Eagle, an eminence, 
Avhich oAcrlooks the Potomac, and indeed the Avholc District 
of Columbia, and Avhich remains as a relic of bygone days. 
Could that spot speak to us of the past, it might give us an 
insight into the thoughts and plans, and mode of life of him. 



() 

who spent many hours tliorc, when all around was a Mikler- 
uess,and not even he,hinisolf,iu the wildest flights ot'his youth- 
ful fancy, could have imagined, the great cities which should 
s])ring into being there, beneath the range of his vision, at 
his own call, and bearing liis own name ; much less could 
lie have fancied the ^■ast empire to which he was about to 
give being and freedom. Little did the proud and noble 
I'airfax thiidc that the youth, who sat there at his table, 
would eclipse his own glory, and e^en throw his Monarch's 
glory in the shade. Well is that cottage called Mt. Eagle, 
for there the American Eagle was nestled, until being fledg- 
ed, it rose to bathe its wings in the zenith. But Washing- 
ton was only occasionally there. Lord Fairfax had ■Nast 
tracts of land in the A'alley of the Shenandoah. And many 
a lonely hour did our- youthful surveyor spend amid the i^rim- 
itive forests of that noble valley. These occupations, how- 
e\cv, brought him occasionally into contact with many in- 
telligent and generous minds. The father of our late fellow 
citizen. Admiral Wormley, resided in that Aalle}-, and many 
other gentlemen of education and refinement, owned large 
tracts of land around him, aftbrding him occasional opportu- 
nity of association with his fellow men. These associations 
led to the formation of a social tie, Avhich Avas ever dear to 
him during after years. There were certain great moral 
precepts and principles and obligations connected Avith this 
new relation into Avhich he entered, that made a deep and 
indelible impression upon his mind and heart. He had now 
entered his twenty-first year, and liaving been convinced by 
a careful observation, and the result of frequent enquiries, 
that his own usefulness Avould be increased, and his social 
relations enlarged and impro\ed thereby, he determined to 
bcconre a member of the Masonic Fraternity. This step, 
we regard, as a very important one in that onward and up- 
AA'ard progress which characterized his after career. If you 
will lend me your attention, while I seek to unveil the se- 
cret feelings of his heart as he entered this ancient institu- 
tion, you Avill agree with me, that it was an imjiortant means 
in the providence of (iod, of develojjing that Aigorous mind, 
and enlarging that noble and generous heart. You will see 
that it taught him iuAaluable lessons of wisdom, or fixed 
them indeliblv on his mind. His initiation occurred at 



Frcdcncksbiirg. Vii. It was nioht. Hdiad sent in his pc- 
titiou and it had been favorably received. A\'c read jou 
its purport : 

" Tn l.lic IV. Master and Brethren of Fredericksburg Lodge \ 

of Free and Accepted Masons : ( 
Tliu undersigned, unbiassed by the improper solicitations of his friends, 
and uninfluenced by otiier unworthy mutives, prompted by a favourable 
opinion of your ancient institution, and a desire for knowledge, freely and 
voluiitarily offers himself a candidate for initiation into tlio mysteries of 
Freemasonry, and respectfully prays that he may be admitted, and become 
a member of your worshipfnl Lodge, promising a cheerftd conformity to 
the ancient usages and established customs of the Order. His age is 21 
years. His occupation a surveyor. [Signed] 

GEORGE WASHINGTON." 

The time arrived for his admission. He proceeded to the 
building in whicli tlie Lodge was held, and was showai into 
a small room, and left there for his o^^•u meditations. 

He found himself thereupon the threshold of an ancient 
organization, of which he knew but little. Many wicked 
men had left it, and abused it as the most corrupt of all so- 
cieties. While, on the other hand, many good men had 
cherished it as an excellent institution. Of its rites and 
ceremonies he knew nothing ; but he had been mformed 
that there was meaning in them all. There was uideed a 
mystery resting upon the course upon which he was entering, 
but his bi'ave heart was ready to follow in a path, which had 
been traversed by many great and good men. Such reflec- 
tions as these were occupjing his mmd, when he was sum- 
moned to commence a long and instructive journey. That 
journey led him through the secret and hidden paths of caba- 
listic rites and ceremonies, and solemn and impressive scenes, 
the memory of which was indelibly unpressed upon his 
mmd. 

It is impossible to convey in words any adequate idea of 
the sublune conceptions and impressive realizations of truth, 
when truth is presented mider such ciixumstances as char- 
acterize initiation into this ancient institution. The mind 
being abstracted fi-om every other consideration directs all 
its perceptions upon what is passing aromid you. Every 
sense is on the alert. Silence, and mystery, and awe prevail 
around. There was somethmg in the dignified demeanor of 
the youthful Washington, that imposed silence and restraint 



on all the members of that Lodge, and their work was there- 
fore well done. As in raising the massive walls of their an- 
cient Temple, there was heard neither the sound of axe nor 
hammer ; but that wonderful structure rose up, in silent 
grandeur under their hands ; so did this moral temple rise 
there that night, as if each workman feared to disturb the 
great spirit that shone within. And there was something 
in that work Avhcn well done, that imposed a solemn inter- 
est, and gave depth to the feelings of his heart, and made 
Washington ever after a faithfid. friend of that institution. 
He learned to regard the ordinary distinctions of rank, as 
vain and empty, when unattended by real worth ; and to es- 
teem virtue, even when clothed in rags, as worthy of all ho- 
nor and commendation. The use of the 24 inch guagc was 
explained to him ; for whereas operative masons use it to 
measure out and lay off their work, he was taught to use it 
for the more noble pui-pose of dividing his time. Its 24 
parts being emblematical of the twenty four hours of the day, 
which he was taught to divide into three portions, finding 
eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy 
brother, one part of eight hours for his usual avocations, and 
eight hours for refreshment and sleep. The master then 
presented him with the common gavel, an instrument, which 
the operative uses to break off the corners of rough stones, 
the better to fit them for the builders' use ; but he was to 
use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting 
his heart and conscience of all the vices and superfiuities of 
life, thereby fitting his mind as a living stone for that spirit- 
ual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. He then received a lambskur or white apron ; and 
was told that, whereas our ancient operative brethren wore 
it to protect their clothing from being soiled and defiled by 
their work, he shoidd wear it as an emblem of that purity 
of life and conduct, which is so essentially necessary to ad- 
mission to the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme 
Architect of the Uni^'erse presides. 

The pathway which leads to that Grand Lodge was open- 
ed up before him, and lie was taught that, although purity 
of heart Avas an essential to his entrance there, yet other 
means must be used to span the vast distance, which widens 
out between earth and heaven, and these means consist in 



9 

that Theological ladder, which was represented in a vision 
to the patriarch Jacob, when he slept in the valley of Bethel, 
ever thereafter called by the Israelites, -'the gate of lieaven." 
This ladder has three principal rounds, denominated Faith, 
Hope, and Charity ; and it admonishes us that we must 
have faith in God, hope in inunortality, and charity for all 
mankind. The greatest of these is charity, for faith shall be 
lost ill sight ; hope end« in fruition ; but charity has its ex- 
istence coeval with the immortal souL As his mind de- 
scended from the contemplation of these sublime truths, his 
eye rested upon the furniture of the Lodge, and he was ad- 
\iscd that every well go\erned Lodge, was furnished witli 
the Holy Bible, the square and the compasses. The sacred 
Avritings are dedicated to God, because they are the inesti- 
mable gift of God to man. The square is dedicated to the 
Master, being the proper emblem of his office ; the compass- 
es, to the Croft, because, by them, they are taught to cir- 
cumscribe their desires, and keep their passions within due 
bounds. As he proceeded along his journey there were ex- 
hibited to liim, the ancient jewels of the fraternity. Three 
of these, beinij immo\ablc, cannot be exhibited out of the 
Lodsre. The others are the rou"h ashler, or a stone as it 
was taken from the quarries tir its rude and natural state — 
it was designed to remind him of liis own rude -and imper- 
fect state by nature. The perfect ashler ; a stone made rea- 
dy by the hands of the workman to be adjusted by the tools 
of the feUow craft ; representing, that state of perfection to 
which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our o^^ n 
endeavors, and the blessing of God. He then came to the 
trestle beard, on whicli the master workman draws his de- 
signs; -and he Avas advised, that as the operative mason 
erects his building agreeably to the rules and designs laid 
down by the master on his trestle board, so should we erect 
our spiritual buildings agreeably to the designs laid down 
by the Supreme Architect of the Universe, in the great 
books of Nature and Revelation, which are our Masonic 
trestle board. 

He was next caused to pass around a circle, and to ob- 
serve its central point, and its pomts of contact with three 
great objects ; these objects were the Sacred Writings, and 
the Patron Saints of our order, St. John the Baptist, and St, 



10 

John the E\angelist. This mystic circle represented the or- 
dinary routine of human life ; he, himsell' constituted its 
central point ; and in confining- his future life and conduct 
to a routine, which was bounded by the Holy Writings and 
the examples of these two eminent men, he coidd not mate- 
rially err. For St. John the E\angelist was an exemplar 
and pattern of a deep and abiding friendship, and also of a 
pui'e and holy life ; and St. John the Baptist, was one, who, 
though not an operative mason, preached certain great and 
important doctrmes, Avith Mhich we claim fraternity. His 
teachings were not the pleasing enchantments of philosophy, 
or the beautiful conceits of poetry ; but rather the stern and 
immutable requirements of Justice, repentance for error and 
sin, and restitution for injustice ; he taught that we should 
do unto others as we would they should do unto us. He 
taught the people to be honest, and industrious, that every 
one should attend to his ovtn busmess, and not be meddling 
with the concerns of others. He sought to sweep away all 
the empty and ^ain distinctions of cast and rank in society, 
and to establish the grand federal principle of social and re- 
ligious economy, that all mcni are by nature equal in Avorth, 
equal in rank, equal in kuidred, that all are of the same pa- 
rentage, and all partake of the same nature ; all are the ob- 
jects of the care and love of the same heavenly Father ; that 
all need the same changes in order to be fitted for the Great 
Lodge above ; that all must feel and aclvnowlcdge each other 
as brothers in the same fellowship of the great catholic church, 
and partakers of the same gracious bounty of salvation in or- 
der to gain admittance to the Grand Lodge above. In short, 
the emblems of the mission of John the Bai)tist, Avere the 
square and the level. For AA'ith the square of truth and jus- 
tice, he brought men to see and confess the imperfection of 
their Avorks, and moved them to repentance and amendment 
of life ; Avhile, Avith the IcacI of e(piality he brought doAvn 
all the pride of their conceits, and baptized them into one 
common felloAvship. Therefore, avIkui the Scribes and Phar- 
isees came to his baptism, not mingled Avith the common peo- 
ple, but in a separate and distinct body, so that there Avas not 
a common person among th(>m ; no tradc^sman, or mechanic, 
or publican — none but those Avhose hands eschcAved labor 
as degrading, and Avho regarded the laboring classes as brut- 
ibli and ignoble. When this distinguished and titled body 



11 

of well di-essed and well fed men came to the prophet, who 
was clothed in camel's hair,and fed upon the wild fruits of the 
desert ; when they came, not to add to his influence, but rath- 
er that they might keep up their ascendancy over the people, 
by not appear iiirj to be his enemies, and by purchasing his si- 
lence respecting their sins ; the honest and mdignant prophet 
was moved at their impudence, and deceptive artifices, and 
exclaimed, "Oh generation of vipers, if ye say ye are more 
righteous than the common people, why do ye come to tni/ 
baptism T' We all admire the character and revere the \'\x- 
tucs of that great man, and we desire to have them e^er held 
up for our own, and the public emulation. We also hold in 
high esteem the immutable truths which he preached, and de- 
sire to hear them reircrated before ourselves and our fellow 
men. 

We regard the Baptist, m his life and teachings as an 
eminent exemplar of those principles, which have been so fre- 
quently inculcated in our Lodges, and wliich we are all pledg- 
ed to promote and maintain. Among these principles none 
occupies a more prominent place than the one to which allu- 
sion has already been made, i. c., "that all men are by nature 
equal." We hold that whatever distinctions are to be tolera- 
ted in society, should be those which grow out of education 
and the improvement of such pri\ileges as are calculated to 
ennoble the heart and exalt the mind. Vice and vu'tue ; in- 
dustry and sloth ; cliarity and avarice ; knowledge and igno- 
rance ; wisdom and folly ; these create distinctions, which we 
all respect and delight to honor. But that rank, which de- 
ri^■es its parentage from the ad'S'cntitious circumstances of 
birth, or wealth, or external apparel we cannot; away with it. 
Whoever he be, that advances within our gates, whether he 
be prince or potentate, rich or poor ; he must come among us 
clothed in the garb of humility, divested of all the trappuigs 
of external rank, and prepared to pass under the level and 
greet the humblest laborer as his brother. 

John the Baptist, the greatest of the prophets, the most 
honored of all the ancients, came clothed in camel's hair, and 
teaching that all men being rude and sinful by nature, none 
shoidd presume upon mere outward chstinctions, and separate 
themselves from theii- brethren, but all repent and be baptis- 
ed in one common laver. This John was the companion of 
the publicans and sinners, and not of Pharisees and Scribes. 



1-2 

Like his muster he %vas ever with the rude rabble ; the Apo^^ 
tie of Equalitj/ as well as the preacher of righteousneiis. 

To the mind of the youtlii'ul Washington, who had heen 
accustomed to hear of nobles and lords and ladies, and to see 
well dressed and wealthy young- mea, revelling in Aire, and 
idhng awav their time, and yet accounted worthy of honor and 
entiiled to privilege, while the poor ragged negro, though he 
conducted himself wisely and prudently and viituously. and 
was honest and industrious and worthy, was, nevertheless, 
barred out from the privileges of social life and accoimted as 
a base and unworthy creature ; to Waskbigtoi-i, these teach- 
ings unfolded a new and startling field of enquiry ; and al- 
though the age in which he lived was not prepared for the in- 
discriminate adjustment of the level to all the various ranks 
and conditions among men, yet he ever afterwards consented 
to pass under that stem principle of the jurisprudence of na- 
ture and humanity, whenever he entered a Lodge ; and even 
in the zenith of his greatness, he never hesitated to own fra- 
ternity AV'ith masons, whenever and wherever circumstances 
permitted. 

On the 17th of August, 1790, a letter was addressed to 
Gen. Washington during his passage through this State, by 
the Worshipful Master and Brethren of King David's Lodge 
of this town, congratulating him upon the possession of the 
affection and esteem of the people, who had called hira to 
be their Chief Magistrate, and welcoming him to Rhode Is- 
land as a Brother of their order. 

In reply to this letter, Washington addressed them as fol- 
lows : 

[Coplpfl from thp Newport Herald, Tuesday. August 2C, 1790.] 

" To the W. Master, Wardens and Brethren of King Bavid''s Lodge,. ) 

Newport, R. I. i 

Gentlemen : I receive the welcome which y"i' give mcto Rhode 
Ishrifl with pleasure, and 1 acknowledge my obligations for the flat- 
tering expressions of regard contained in your address, with grateful sin- 
cerity. 

Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which tlw* 
Masonic fraiernitv is founded must bo promotive of private virtue and pub- 
lic prnsperitv, I shall iilvvays be happy to advance the interests of the so- 
ciet}', and to bo considered by them as a deserving brother. My best wish- 
es, gentlemen, arc offered for your individual happiness. 

GEO. WASHINGTON." 



Here we have an unqualilied oxpiestiion from the t^reatest 
man that ever trod upon American soil, and one of the best 
and most distinguished rulers that ever rontrolled the desti- 
nies of any of the great empires of the world, an expression, 
commending this institution as founded on principles, the 
legitimate tendency of Avhich will be to promote the private 
virtues of its members and the public prosperity of our coun- 
try ; nay more than this, he declares, that he will always be 
happy to advance the interests of the Masonic fraternity, and 
he adds, that it will ever be a source of satisfiiction to him 
to be regarded as a brother, who deserves the honor of be- 
ing enrolled among the members thereof. This was a testi- 
mony, unbiassed by his own connexions, and resulting from 
his persuasion that this organization is one of inherent 
merit. 

AVe cannot forbear mentioning here, an incident, which 
illustrated the high appreciation, with which his own gene- 
ration regarded the merits of that remarkable man. It is the 
more appropriate to this occasion, inasmuch as one of its 
prime actors is a member of this Lodge. It occurred during 
the Presidential term of Washington, and about the close of 
the last century. 

The scene where it transpired was the city of Charles- 
ton, S. C. There were thii'teen vessels in the harbor, Avhose 
captains, having been advised of the approach of the Presi- 
dent, determined to give him a sailor's welcome. As it was 
necessary for Washington to cross a considerable expanse of 
Avater in approaching the city — these captains determined 
to be themselves the oarsmen, who should ferry him over. 
They had a barge built expressly for the occasion, and de- 
voted all the intervening time, to practising with their oars. 
They arrived at such precision in their art, that when their 
oars were blaided, a person who was ahead or astern of their 
boat could see but one oar. When the President entered 
their barge, his observing eye at once discovered, that they 
were not common sailors ; and when their steersman offered 
the services of his crew, to convey him, on the morrow, to a 
neighboring fortification which he Avishcd to inspect, he re- 
plied, "I shall be glad to have you with me, gentlemen, as 
companions, but not as oarsmen."' 

We presume that twelve of those, who thus ferried the 
Father of his country across that sheet of water, have been, 



14 

lori<;- ore this, llieiuselvt-.s ferried, across that dark and silent 
stream, whence none returns. One, however, of the thir- 
teen, yet remains among us. There he sits, my Brethren, 
and may he long be spared as a link with that noble race, 
which founded tliis mighty empire. 

Washington was initiated near the close of his 21st year 
— he was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, on the 9th 
day of ]\Iarch, 1753 ; on the 4th day of August, in the same 
year, he was raised to the degree of Master Mason. Subse- 
quently he is said to have received the degrees of Royal 
Arch Masonry, in a travelling chapter belonging to General 
Braddock's Army in the year 1755 ; and the copy of the Bi- 
ble, upon which his obligations were taken, on that occa- 
sion, was exhibited in the city of ^Manchester, England, dur- 
ing a public procession, in 1834, honored by a military es- 
cort, and the object of much regard by the officers and sol- 
diers who were privileged to be present on the occasion. 

In 1793, as Grand Master of IMasons in the United States, 
he laid the corner stone of the Ca])itolat Washington City. 
In 177<'^ lie shared in a Grand Celebration of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania, in Christ Church, Philadelphia, 
when the Rt. llev. Bishop White, officiated in the religious 
services, and his coadjutor in the parish, the Rev. Dr. Smith, 
preached the sermon. In 1799, he was buried with Ma- 
sonic honors by the Lodge of which he was the first Master. 

We might prolong these remarks, and present many in- 
cidents that would be both interesting and insti'uctive con- 
nected with the early history of AVashington ; but Ave must 
close. 

Why is it, fellow citizens, that we are assembled here to- 
day] Is it merely to laud tliis institution? By no means. 

Is it merely to show ourselves off, in an empty pomp and 
imposmg pageant ? I do not know how others may regard 
these public processions, and ostentatious ceremonials, but 
as for myself, I would gladly haxe avoided them if duty had 
not required that I should participate therein. There are 
occasions, when it becomes all good citizens, to lay aside 
their ordinary pursuits, and unite in paying respect and ho- 
nor to the virtues of patriotism and philanthropy. On all 
such occasions, it is a very proper usage for organized bo- 
dies and fraternities, to manifest their high appreciation of 
the merits of public men, who have sen'cd their country, or 



1'5 

suffered on her behalf, by public processions, characterized 
by tiucli dress and equipage as ■will impress upon the minds 
of all, Avho behokl them, especially the rising generation, the 
regard of the people for fidelity and virtue. 

We are happy to manifest such respect for the memory 
of "Washington, not only because he deserved all that we 
can g•i^•e, as the noblest among the princes of the Anglo 
Saxon race ; but also as our father and the father of our lib- 
erties ; as the exemplar of public and private virtues — and 
as our brother, who joined us in his youth, and acknow- 
ledged our relationship in his old age. Therefore in honor- 
ing him, we honor oursehcs ; and in holding up his virtues 
for emulation, we benefit ourselves, aud our country, and 
our children. 

But why do we render such homage to this man ? If we 
claim him as a warrior, the Frenchman can match him in the 
bra^'ery, and surpass him in the stupendous achievements of 
his own Great Napoleon. 

If we hail him as a statesman, England can place her 
Cromwell by his side ; and Russia can glory in Peter the 
Great, and Rome in Justinian, and Babylon in Daniel. 

As a philosopher, FrankUn excelled him — and as an ora- 
tor, Clay was his superior. As an Executive Magistrate, 
our country did not prosper more under his own, than it 
does under the present administration. VTiiy then does his 
country, nay, the Avhole civilized Avorld, delight to distm- 
guish him above his peers ■? 

There were three rare and invaluable virtues, which gave 
grace and greatness to his character. 

The first, and may we not add, the greatest virtue, was 
his piety. It was as genuine, and sincere, as it was unos- 
tentatious. It was as active and real and constant as it 
was catholic and unmixed with bigotry, ignorance or su- 
jierstition. 

So im selfish and liberal were his Aiews, that none but his 
own family and immediate associates knew to what church 
he belonged, and yet so steadfast were his principles and so 
exemplary his demeanor that aU denominations recognized 
and bowed before the impress of Deity that lived in that 
good man's heart, and breathed in his life. None asked if 
he were a Baptist, or a Methodist, or a Presbyteiian, or an 



15 

Episcopaliuu ; fur who could stay to search for the name of 
the vessel whi-n its rich and glorious freight was before him. 
He came indeed in the Episcopal C^hurch, but although that 
church may well be proud of the precious treasure with 
which she was freighted ; yet he belonged not to her alone, 
he belonged to the great Universal Church which knows no 
party limits, but embraces tlie good and wise of every clime 
and every name. His piety was as consistent as it was 
catholic. No station was so high as to influence him to 
neglect his duties, in order to gratify the great and the no- 
ble ; nor was any retirement or seclusion a motive for care- 
lessness and indifference. He neither affected religion to 
please the people, nor did he lay it aside to please the prin- 
ces. Had the Poet been near him, during the encampment 
of his ragged army at Valley Forge, he might have said: 

'■Cold mountains and the midnight air, 
"Witnessed the fervor of his prayer;" 

for the sentinel often found him kneeling in some secluded 
grove, and asking heaven to pity the sufferings of his soldiers. 
On the other hand, when a noble lord, the Ambassador 
of a foreign pow-er, sought him during the hours of the 
Lord's day, at Mount Vernon, whither he had retired from 
the cares and business of the State ; Washington came to him, 
as he waited in the drawing room, with his hat in his hand, 
and addressed him, "Sir, Ave are about leaving for cliurch, if 
you will go with us, there is a seat in our carriage at your 
disposal — if you prefer remaining here, you will lind amuse- 
ment in the Library, and on the morrow I will de\ote an 
hour before breakfast to your business." The republican 
President thus manifested the dignity of a firm and manly 
piety. 

The second great virtue which we revere, was that just 
and discriminating principle, which meted out, to every one 
around him, and to all the great interests which he control- 
led, their respective dues. Justice and equity were the 
prominent characteristics of his administration ; and in all 
the details of the management of his campaigns, in his treat- 
ment of his officers, in his kind consideration for his soldiers 
— in his delicate intercourse Avith Congress ; in his regard 
for the rights of property around his cncamimients — he al- 
ways mingled the feelings of friendship with the authority 



n 

of a superior ; he combined courtesy Avith iiniini^ss ; dignity 
with affability. There was a fitness in all that he attempt- 
ed ; and success therefore attended all his plans. His con- 
quests were not the results of the mad enthusiasm with 
which Napoleon inspired his soldiers ; for such enthusiasm 
always cools before the stubborn resistance of the British vet- 
eran. Nor did they residt from the slow, disciplined pro- 
gress of old England's policy. They resulted from that wis- 
dom and sagacity, and courage, and patriotism, which suited 
them to theii' occasions, and made them conquests, Avhether 
he advanced, or if he retreated. 

The third great virtue of the man, was that .sense of pro- 
priety and justice, with which he meted out to hi/iiself\yhnt 
was due. He was neither arrogant nor mean-spirited ; 
haughty, nor weak. 

There was no egotism in his demeanor, nor conceit, nor 
pomposity in his carriage. He was ambitious, and ever 
ready to recei\e the honors and offices, which he knew he 
had earned. But his ambition refused the CroAni, Avhich a 
devoted army proffered him, because he knew fidl well, that 
he was not the only man that coidd rule in America. 

No private act of dishonesty or corruption ever stained his 
name ; no public uijustice or oppression was ever charged 
upon his administration. Therefore, was he first in the 
management of war ; first in the a irtues of peace ; and first 
in the hearts of liis countrvmen. 



Anecdote of Washington. 

An intimate friend of Washington's once applied to liim for a very 
lucrative and responsible office. The applicant was always welcome to 
Washington's table ; and his society had become, in a measure, neces- 
sary to him in the hours of his retirement from public business. There 
was another applicant for the same office. He was a political opponent 
lo Washington's Administration, and had made himself conspicuous in his 
hostility to the man, of whom he now had the impudence lo ask this im- 
portant office. — This man received the appointment. When a friend of 
the disappointed candidate ventured to remonstrate with the President on 
the injustice of such neglect to his old associate and companion, he re- 
plied — "I ever received my friend with a cordial welcome ; he is wel- 
come to my house and to my heart; — with all his good qualities, he is 
not a man of business. His opponent, though hostile to me, is a man of 
business. — As George Washington, I will do all in my power for my 
friend,— but as Pkesident of the United States. I can do nothing." 



n 

of a superior ; he combined courtesy with firniuess ; digiiit)' 
with affability. There was a fitness in all that he attempt- 
ed ; and success therefore attended all his plans. His con- 
quests were not the results of the mad enthusiasm with 
which Naj^oleon inspired his soldiers ; for such enthusiasm 
always cools before the stubborn resistance of the British \ct- 
eran. Nor did they result from the slow, disciplined pro- 
gress of old England's policy. They resulted from that wis- 
dom and sagacity, and courage, and patriotism, which suited 
them to their occasions, and made them conquests, whether 
he ad^•anced, or if he retreated. 

The third great virtue of the man, was that sense of pro- 
priety and justice, with which he meted out to himself what 
was due. He was neither arrogant nor mean-spirited ; 
haughty, nor weak. 

There Avas no egotism in his demeanor, nor conceit, nor 
pomposity in his carriage. He was ambitious, and e\'er 
ready to receive the honors and offices, v.liich he kneA\' he 
had earned. But his ambition refused the Crown, wliicli a 
devoted army proffered him, l)eciuise he knew fidl well, that 
lie was not the only man that could rule in America. 

No private act of dishonesty or corruption ca er stained his 
name ; no public injustice or oppression was ever charged 
upon his administration. Therefore, was he first in the 
management of war; first in the virtues of peace ; and first 
in the hearts of his countrAincn. 



Anecdote, nf Washinglon. 

An Intimate friend of Washington's once applied to him for a very 
lucrative and responsible office. The a|)plieant was always welcome to 
Washington's table ; and his society had become, in a measure, neces- 
sary to him in the hours of his retirement from public business. There 
was another applicant for the same office. He was a political opponent 
10 Washington's Administration, and had made himself conspicuous in his 
hostility to the man, of whom he now had the impudence to ask this im- 
portant office. — This man received the appointment. When a friend of 
the disappointed candidate ventured to remonstrate with the President on 
the injustice of such neglect to his old associate and companion, he re- 
plied — "I ever received my friend witli a cordial welcome ; he is wel- 
come to my house and to my heart; — with all his good qualities, ho Ik 
not a man of business. His opponent, though hostile to me, is a man of 
business. — As George Washington, 1 will do all in my power for my 
friend, — but as Pkeside.nt oi-" the United States. I can do nothing." 



s 



% 



•« 



